Vigil held in honor of Berrien County motel fire victims

SODUS TOWNSHIP, Mich – Approximately 200 people gathered in the parking lot of the Cosmo Extended Stay motel in Sodus Township for a vigil for Kierra Curtis and her five children that died in Saturday’s fire.

On day five, investigators are still trying to pinpoint an exact cause of the fire.

ABC57 has learned that the Cosmo Extended Stay Motel’s last inspection conducted by the State of Michigan found faulty fire alarms and doors that were supposed to be open were locked.

“It was a community tragedy, I think anytime you go through these types of tragedies I believe the community should come together” Said Carlton Lynch of Benton Harbor.

Wednesday’s vigil Is one of many efforts including fundraisers that have raised thousands of dollars to pay for the needs of the families that survived

Lynch said we must remember the family as we move forward

“When you go through this type of pain, this horrific tragedy so many people just carry on with their lives back to work, move forward in life but that pain for the family is still there” Lynch said.

After the Vigil wrapped up those who attended said the money that was donated will go towards the funeral expenses of those who died in the fire.